If You’re 25 and Under, I Want You to Build
An open letter to young founders who are still figuring it out and ready to do something about it.
When I was 22, I thought someone had to pick me before I could do anything important.
I thought the big ideas I scribbled into my Notes app didn’t count because I wasn’t funded, followed, or featured.
I thought I needed permission.
I don’t think that anymore. And if you’re reading this, I hope you stop thinking that too.
Because here’s the thing:
You don’t need to be “ready.”
You just need to be building.
And that’s what WTFund is here for.
WTFund exists because I believe in people like you
We started WTFund with a simple thesis:
India’s youngest minds are building its boldest futures.
And they deserve more than just applause, they deserve resources, guidance, belief, and room to try.
We’re a no-equity grant + immersion fund for founders 25 and under.
That means we give you capital and structure, without taking your company.
You get money, mentorship, networks, and a serious 3-month program to help you go from idea to impact.
But beyond the format, here’s the real why:
I’m tired of watching brilliant young people wait to be noticed.
You’re already building, even if it’s just in your head. WTFund is your nudge to go all in.
Why 25 and under?
Because being young isn’t a disadvantage, it’s a superpower.
You haven’t been taught what’s “impossible” yet.
You don’t have legacy baggage.
You’re not too jaded to try.
You’re willing to experiment, fail fast, and keep going.
We’re not looking for polished decks or perfect traction.
We’re looking for people who care deeply about a problem, and can’t stop thinking about how to fix it.
You don’t need an MBA. You don’t need a fancy co-founder.
You don’t even need a company yet.
You just need to be in motion.
Who should apply?
If you’ve ever:
Turned a frustration into a Notion doc
Sketched a solution instead of just complaining
Found yourself Googling “how to build an MVP” at 2am
Started something, even a college club, Discord server, or weekend project, and kept it alive
Then you are exactly who WTFund is for.
We’re not just here for tech bros or IIT grads or hypebeasts.
We’re here for scientists, storytellers, hustlers, hackers, artists, engineers, tinkerers, anyone who sees the world as unfinished, and wants to be part of the work.
What you get
If selected, you get:
₹20 lakhs in no-strings-attached capital
An in-person Bootcamp to refine your idea, sharpen your story, and find your tribe
A 3-month immersive program that includes fundraising support, GTM strategy, hiring help, and honest feedback
Access to other funders, accelerators, and networks you might not reach otherwise
Ongoing support from the WTFund team: we stay in your corner, not just your inbox
And maybe most importantly:
You’ll stop feeling like you’re building alone.
Why I want you to build
Because I’ve sat across too many investors who ask, “But are they ready?”
And too many founders who whisper, “But am I allowed?”
This fund is my answer to both.
Yes, you’re allowed.
Yes, you’re ready enough.
And yes, if you start now, you’ll be so far ahead by the time the world catches on.
Building something at 21 doesn’t mean you have it all figured out.
It means you’re brave enough to start.
And starting is the only thing that matters.
A few things I’ve learned about early-stage founders:
The best ideas often start as complaints.
The most underrated skill is grit disguised as curiosity.
Traction is great, but conviction is louder.
Great founders zoom in and out. Micro problems, macro visions.
You don’t need to “look” like a founder to be one.
So if you’ve ever felt out of place in a room full of suits or startup bros or even your own classmates? Good.
That means your ideas aren’t derivative.
What to expect if you apply
We ask you a few simple questions:
What are you building?
Why do you care?
What’s your plan?
If your answers are honest, specific, and obsessed with a problem, we’ll notice.
We’re not judging grammar, jargon, or vibe.
We’re judging thoughtfulness, hunger, and proof that you’ll still be working on this six months from now, funded or not.
Apply even if you’re unsure
I know imposter syndrome whispers in your ear:
“Wait till next year. You’re not ready. Someone else deserves it more.”
Ignore it.
Apply now. Even if it’s rough. Even if it’s just a glimmer.
Let us meet you where you are, not where you think you should be.
Your 20s are meant for building, not waiting.
In closing
We started WTFund because we believe India’s next generation of founders won’t come from where we’re used to looking.
They’ll come from hostel rooms, school labs, gaming servers, Instagram DMs, and long commutes where someone thought:
“There has to be a better way.”
If you’ve had that thought, this fund is for you.
Apply. Build. Break things (strategically).
And know that someone, somewhere, already believes in you.
Apps close 31st May, 2025, 11:59PM.
With love and unreasonable hope,
Harnidh
Head of WTFund
Builder, believer, & chronic Notes app visionary
Have been feeling that I don't belong to WTFund but reading this definitely pushed me over the line